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July 17 roundup: High-profile outfielders being discussed

Two recognizable outfield names from the National League Central have reportedly been tossed around in trade rumors, as Houston’s Hunter Pence and Chicago’s Alfonso Soriano have been subject of talks this weekend.

The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday an “unconfirmed rumor” out of the Cubs organization that the Yankees were talking about a multi-player deal that would involve Soriano, who is owed nearly $63 million and is signed through 2014.

As for Pence, one of the summer’s top trade commodities, SI.com’s John Heyman reported via Twitter on Sunday that the team intended to keep Pence. The team has not confirmed the rumor.

* As Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez’s name continues to be tossed around, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick quoted Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd saying this about the likelihood of a trade involving the right-hander: “We will listen to anything, but reality is that rumor is not very likely to take place.”

*ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Sunday that the Red Sox will give current outfielders — Josh Reddick, in particular — more time before deciding whether to go after another player before the Deadline.

*Olney also reported that, with the White Sox just four games out of the American League Central and the Twins only six games back, Minnesota says they will not be sellers when the Deadline comes around.

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